The world of professional wrestling has witnessed the end of an era, as the illustrious career of John Cena came to a close in a thrilling finale at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The 24-year veteran of the WWE submitted to the formidable Gunther, marking a poignant conclusion to a storied tenure that spanned over two decades.
Cena's journey in the WWE began in 2001, when he signed under the moniker "The Prototype." His debut on "SmackDown" took place on June 27, 2002, in a losing effort against the esteemed Kurt Angle. Initially, Cena struggled to find his footing as a singles wrestler, but the adoption of the "Doctor of Thuganomics" heel character proved to be a turning point in his career. This persona, which showcased his exceptional freestyle rap skills in promos, catapulted him to the forefront of the WWE roster and earned him a reputation as one of the most beloved wrestlers in the industry.
Throughout his illustrious career, Cena amassed an impressive array of accolades, including 17 world championship titles, the most recognized by the WWE. He headlined the main event of WrestleMania on six occasions and is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. After transitioning to a part-time performer from 2017 to 2024, Cena announced his retirement from in-ring action at the end of 2025 during the WWE's Money in the Bank Premium Live Event on July 6, 2024.
Cena's retirement tour commenced at the Royal Rumble in January, where he was eliminated by Jey Uso. In a shocking turn of events, Cena reverted to his heel persona for the first time since 2003 at the Elimination Chamber on March 1. This brief yet intense stint as a villain culminated in his 17th world championship victory, as he defeated Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania in April. However, this triumph was short-lived, as Cena relinquished the title and abandoned his heel persona at SummerSlam in August.
In the lead-up to his final match, Cena engaged in a series of thrilling encounters against wrestling luminaries such as Brock Lesnar, AJ Styles, and Sami Zayn. A tournament was subsequently announced to determine his last opponent, which Gunther ultimately won. The stage was set for a memorable showdown between Cena and Gunther at "Saturday Night's Main Event." The match, which lasted just under 25 minutes, saw Gunther employ a relentless sleeper hold to secure the victory, as Cena tapped out in a poignant conclusion to his wrestling career.
The outpouring of emotion from the crowd was palpable, as fans struggled to come to terms with the realization that they were witnessing the final moments of Cena's illustrious career. The WWE locker room, including notable figures such as CM Punk and Cody Rhodes, emerged to pay their respects to the retiring wrestler, as Paul "Triple H" Levesque presented Cena with a heartfelt video package.
Rather than delivering a speech, Cena opted for a more subdued yet symbolic gesture, leaving his wristbands and shoes in the ring before walking up the entrance ramp, turning, and offering one last salute to the camera and the audience. This poignant farewell served as a fitting tribute to a wrestler who had dedicated his life to the sport, inspiring countless fans with his unwavering passion, unrelenting work ethic, and unbridled charisma.
As the wrestling world reflects on Cena's remarkable career, it is evident that his impact will be felt for generations to come. His incredible journey, marked by countless highs and occasional lows, has left an indelible mark on the sport. The following aspects of his career serve as a testament to his enduring legacy:
In the aftermath of his retirement, the wrestling world will undoubtedly continue to celebrate the remarkable career of John Cena, a true legend whose impact will be felt for years to come. As the sport evolves and new talent emerges, the legacy of Cena will remain an integral part of the WWE's fabric, serving as a reminder of the power of hard work, determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Original: ESPN
Image: ESPN
Written by Npsports
